U.S. patent number 4,232,724 [Application Number 05/953,870] was granted by the patent office on 1980-11-11 for modular partition.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Nightingale Industries Limited. Invention is credited to Mortimer Brown.
United States Patent |
4,232,724 |
Brown |
November 11, 1980 |
Modular partition
Abstract
A partition system having partition panels each of which is
provided with one or a pair of outwardly directed connector grooves
extending vertically from top to bottom of the panes at each end.
Each groove is provided with a narrow open mouth and an enlarged
interior. The narrow open mouth portion of each groove is oriented
so that it is directed at an outward angle with respect to the end
of the panel so that the pair of grooves are arranged in an
essentially divergent manner. A connection member consisting of a
continuous plastic extrusion is provided having a central web
portion, and enlarged bulbous rib members extending down either end
of the web, the rib members having a shape essentially the same as
the cross-section of the connector grooves, and being adapted to be
received within the grooves of two adjacent partition panels,
whereby the panels may be joined together edge to edge, along
either corner of an end of said panels.
Inventors: |
Brown; Mortimer (Terra Cotta,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Nightingale Industries Limited
(Toronto, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
25494642 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/953,870 |
Filed: |
October 23, 1978 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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745001 |
Nov 26, 1976 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
160/135; 16/224;
16/225; 16/355; 160/229.1; 160/231.2; D25/121; D25/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G
5/00 (20130101); E04B 2/7431 (20130101); Y10T
16/524 (20150115); Y10T 16/525 (20150115); Y10T
16/542 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
A47G
5/00 (20060101); E04B 2/74 (20060101); A47G
005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;160/135,183,229R,231R,231A,232,351 ;52/36,239,282 ;211/189,199
;16/150 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Caun; Peter M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Rolston; George A. Frank; William
F.
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
745,001, filed Nov. 26, 1976, entitled Modular Partition, now
abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A modular partition panel wall of the type in which a panel is
adapted to be associated with at least one other such panel to
provide a self supporting free standing wall, and comprising at
least two said panels, each of said panels having;
a generally rectangular panel body portion having top and bottom
edges and upright end edges at each end thereof having front and
back faces;
end connector members fastened along each said end edge of said
panel extending from top to bottom thereof; and each said connector
member having side edges coterminous with said front and back panel
faces, and having inner and outer faces;
a median recess formed in said outer face of each said connector
member intermediate said side edges for reception of fastening
means therein;
panel contact means along each said side edge;
a semi-cylindrical groove along said inner face of said end
connector member intermediate said side edges having an open side
aligned with said median recess, said panel contact means and said
groove terminating in a common plane whereby they lie flat along an
adjacent end edge of a said panel;
at least one connector groove formed in each said end connector
member extending from top to bottom thereof and defining a smooth
cylindrical inner surface and having an open mouth directed at an
acute angle relative to the plane of said panel body portion,
and,
connector hinge strip means having a generally flat planar web
portion and smooth cylindrical ribs along either side of said web
portion, said rib being connected to said planar web portion in an
offset assymetrical manner whereby a plane passing through the
centres of both said ribs will lie parrallel to but spaced apart
from the plane of said rib, one said rib being shaped to interfit
telescopically and rotatably with a said connector groove, in one
said end connector member, and the other said rib being shaped to
interfit telescopically and rotatably with said connector groove in
another said end connector member of a panel adjacent thereto, said
ribs being interfitable with said grooves in both left and right
handed positions, said web portion extending between said end
connector members from top to bottom thereof and providing a
continuous flat planar junction between said at least two panels,
forming same into a wall as aforesaid.
2. A modular parition panel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said ribs
on said hinge strip means are slightly resilient whereby they may
be squeezed into a said groove to provide a good frictional fit
therein.
3. A modular partition panel as claimed in claim 2 wherein each
said rib is formed with a recess therein, said recess permitting
flexion of portions of said rib to provide said resiliencey as
aforesaid.
4. A modular partition panel as claimed in claim 3 including base
plates along the bottom of each side of said panel body portion
said base plates defining lengthwise channels extending from one
end to the other of said rectangular panel body portion said
channels having back walls and top and bottom walls recessed
inwardly beneath said panel body portion, and including closure
panel means adapted to be releasably fastened over said channel
means whereby said channel means may accomodate wiring.
5. A modular partition panel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said end
connector members are formed of wooden material, and incorporate
channel members made of another material extending from top to
bottom of the connector members, and having outwardly directed
connector grooves formed therein, and directed at an angle relative
to the plane of the body portion as aforesaid.
6. A modular partition panel as claimed in claim 1 including thread
means formed in the lower ends of said semi-cylindrical channels,
and supporting leg means threadedly received therein for adjustably
supporting said panel.
7. A modular partition panel as claimed in claim 6 wherein said end
cover panel means comprises continuous strips of thin plastic
material of predetermined width, and wherein said attachment means
comprise continuous flange members formed on said outer faces of
said end connector members, on opposite side edges thereof in
registration with one another defining continuous narrow groove
formations adapted to receive said strips of plastic material
therein.
Description
The invention relates to a partition system for dividing up
commercial or office space which is free standing and may be moved
from place to place at will.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Office partition systems such as have been available in the past,
have usually involved a series of partition panels which are
supported between the floor and interior ceiling of a building or
space. Such systems must necessarily be fastened in position, and
are intended as far as possible to simulate regular dry wall
construction.
These types of partition systems are relatively expensive and are
of a semi permanent nature since it requires a fair amount of
labour to move them from place to place.
In order to overcome these disadvantages, interior planners have
adopted the use of free standing screens. Such screens will usually
be of semi sound proof construction, and will consist of
rectangular panels mounted on feet which will support the screen by
itself. Three or four such screens may be arranged in a rectangular
manner to enclose a working area. The advantage of this system is
that the interior space may readily be rearranged simply by lifting
up the screens and moving them from place to place. However, such
free standing screens leave something to be desired from the view
point of privacy. They are usually not connected with one another,
and consequently any slight movement will open up a gap between
adjacent screens which may be inconvenient.
In addition, such screens are not usually capable of supporting any
accessories such as shelving, electrical wiring and lighting.
Some proposals have been made in the past for linking such screens
together but such systems as have been available have been somewhat
inconvenient, and have not entirely solved the problem of the lack
of privacy. In addition, even when linked together, such screens
systems did not generally speaking increase the rigidity of the
separate screen panels. Thus it was generally speaking still
necessary for such screens, even when linked together to be
provided with self supporting feet since otherwise they would not
remain upright. The dimensions and shaping of the feet necessary to
support the individual screens somewhat intruded upon the space
enclosed by the screens. Movement of persons, or furniture within
the space enclosed might well be obstructed by the location of the
supporting feet, with consequent inconvenience.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention therefore seeks to provide a free standing partition
system which overcomes the disadvantages outlined above, by the
provision of a partition system having partition panels each of
which is provided with one or a pair of outwardly directed
connector grooves extending vertically from top to bottom of the
panels at each end. Each groove is provided with a narrow open
mouth and an enlarged smooth cylindrical interior. The narrow open
mouth portion of each groove is oriented so that it is directed at
an outward angle with respect the end of the panel so that the pair
of grooves are arranged in an essentially divergent manner. A
connection member consisting of a continuous substantially stiff
plastic extrusion is provided having a central web portion and
enlarged bulbous rib members extending down either end of the web,
the rib members having a smooth cylindrical shape essentially the
same as the cross section of the connector grooves, and being
adapted to be received within the grooves of two adjacent partition
panels, whereby the panels may be joined together edge to edge,
along either corner of an end of said panels.
In accordance with the invention the connector extrusion is formed
with the web portion off set with respect to the bulbous rib
members where by to permit the connector member to be used in two
alternate positions.
In accordance with the invention the pair of connector grooves are
provided by means of a single extrusion of any suitable material
such as aluminium or plastic or the like which may be fitted on
each end of the panels and extends from top to bottom of each end
thereof.
In accordance with the invention such an end extrusion may also
incorporate a means for connecting supporting legs on the lower
side of the panel, and may also include some form of attachment
means for attachment of other accessories such as tables, shelving
and the like.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention, there is
preferably provided along the lower edge of each panel a pair of
base plates, the plates being attached to either side of the panel,
and defining conduit spaces therealong with closure plates, beneath
the lower edge of the panel, such spaces being adapted for the
reception of electrical cables and the like.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention
are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and
forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of
the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects
attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying
drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and
described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
IN THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration showing two panels according
to the invention joined together;
FIG. 2 is a greatly enlarged cut away perspective view indicating
that portion of a panel as shown at the section line 2--2 of FIG.
1, with the connecting extrusion shown in an exploded manner;
FIG. 3 is a lower perspective illustration of a detail of the
invention as shown in FIG. 1 showing the supporting leg
feature;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective illustration showing the base
plate and conduit features of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a section along the line 5--5 of FIG. 2;
FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic illustrations showing two different
positions of the connection element, and,
FIG. 8 is a perspective of an alternate embodiment of the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
Referring now to FIG. 1, it will be seen that this preferred
embodiment of the invention is shown as two panel members indicated
by the general reference arrow P. It will of course be appreciated
that there may be more such panels P, and that they may be arranged
in various different configurations other than that shown in FIG.
1, FIG. 1 being purely illustrative and without limitation. Each of
such panels P will be essentially of the same construction although
conceivably some panels may be made larger than others, and their
dimensions may vary in height or width or thickness depending upon
the requirement of any specific customer. Conceivably, the panels
may be made in two or three different widths so as to provide for
greater flexibility in the use of the office space area to be
divided up. Again, such features are to be understood as included
within the scope of the invention, although not specifically
illustrated.
Each of such panels P will therefore comprise a generally
rectangular central partition portion 10, and two vertical end
connector members 12. The end connector members 12 are all of
identical construction, in this preferred embodiment of the
invention to achieve maximum economy and simplicity in manufacture.
However, conceivably variations may be made between the end
connector members 12 as between one end and the other of any panel
P. For example, right and left handed end connector members 12
could conceivably be constructed which were of a different
construction in that the one was a mirror image of the other. In
certain circumstances, such a construction might provide for a more
limited degree of flexibility in use, but might possibly be
acceptable to certain customers or in certain specialized
applications.
The construction of the partition portions 10 is not critical to
the objects of the invention. In general however such partition
portions 10 will be built up on some form of rigid frame work (not
shown) which in turn supports any suitable sound baffling media
such as fibre glass matting and the like, or any other material
which is well known in the art for the purpose. The frame work and
filler will be covered by any suitable material such as upholstery
material or the like to provide an attractive and decorative
appearance.
As shown in more detail in FIG. 2, the end connector members 12 are
in this embodiment of the invention formed by a continuous
extrusion of any suitable material, in this case aluminum. Other
extrudable materials such as thermoplastics or the like may be
suitable for specific applications. The extrusion will be seen to
provide a central recessed channel 14 having web like extensions 16
extending out from either side thereof, and a semi-cylindrical
groove 18 formed by inner walls 19 on its inwardly directed
side.
Connected to the outer ends of the two webs 16, there are outer
wall members 20 which have flat interior surfaces enclosing the
space on either side of the groove 18. Outer walls 20 and inner
walls 19, enclosing the groove 18, all terminate in a common plane
whereby the same may fit flat against the end surface of the
partition member 10 as shown in FIG. 2.
A relatively thin facing flange 22 is formed in an essentially
L-shaped manner overlying exterior surfaces of side portions of the
two webs 16 thereby defining narrow slots 24 facing one another in
a common plane for the reception of a decorative cover strip 26
which may be slid in and out of the slots 24.
On the exterior of the walls 20, there are provided a pair of
outwardly angled connector grooves 28 defined by continuous angled
wall members 30 extending down either side thereof. Wall members 30
are curved towards one another so that they are closer together at
their free ends, than along the interior of the groove 28, thereby
defining a groove mouth which is somewhat narrower that the smooth
cylindrical interior of the groove 28. The grooves 28 are directed
in an outwardly divergent manner at angles of approximately
45.degree. with respect to the longitudinal plane of the panel P
for reasons to be described below.
In addition, walls 20 are further formed with rectangular slotted
channels 32 the openings of which are enclosed by side flange
members 32 to provide an enlarged rectangular interior and a narrow
slotted opening for the channels 32.
The channels 32 are directed in opposite directions to one another
along a plane normal to the plane of the central axis of the panel
P.
In order to connect any two panels P together, a connector hinge
strip 36 is provided for sliding down any two adjacent grooves 28
of any two adjacent partitions P and linking them together. The
connector strip comprises a relatively thin central web 38, and two
bulbous rib portions 40. The bulbous rib portions 40 are designed
to fit snugly within the grooves 28. The rib members 40 are of
essentially smooth cylindrical construction, and have a narrow
slotted opening extending down the length thereof. The exterior
cylindrical dimensions of the bulbous members 40 may be slightly in
excess of the interior dimensions of the grooves 38. The material
from which the connector strip 36 is made will be extrudable thermo
plastic material which is fairly rigid. The rib members 40 may be
made slightly resilient or flexible by the slotted openings 42 so
that they may be squeezed slightly to fit within the grooves 28. In
this way there is a certain degree of frictional grip between the
connector strip 36 and the grooves 28 into which they are fitted.
Preferably, the connector strips 36 will be of a length equal to
the height of the panel P so that panels P are connected completely
from top to bottom with the exception of a small space at the
bottom to be described below.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the web 38
is assymetrically offset into a different plane with respect to the
centres of the rib members 40 as best shown in FIG. 5. This feature
permits the connector strips 36 to be used either in a right or
left handed manner as best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In this way, the
connector strips 36 may be used and rotated through an angle of 45
degrees, or even in fact through an angle of 180.degree. if this
should be required without the web 38 being required to flex or
bend, and which in fact remains flat and unstressed. In this way
two adjacent joined panels P become mutually self-supporting,
through the intercommection of web 38.
One such connector strip 36 may be used as shown in FIG. 7 for
joining two panels P at right angles to one another. Two such
connector strips 36 may be used as shown in FIG. 6 for joining two
panel members P in a straight line in end to end abutting
relationship. This of course greatly increases the rigidity of the
junction between such panels P. This feature is of special value
when it is born in mind that, when joined end to end in line as
shown in FIG. 6 the degree of self support provided between any
such panels P is considerably less than when they form a right
angle.
As shown in FIG. 3, the panels P will be supported on legs 44
having an adjustable threaded portion 46 which is threadedly
received in suitable female threads (not shown) formed in the
interior of the groove 18 of the end connectors 12. It will of
course be seen that the legs 44 merely offer support for the actual
weight of the panel P and do not in effect stabilize the panel P
against tilting over. The relatively small size of the legs 44 as
compared with the relatively large feet of the previously known
free standing partition systems, is one of the advantages achieved
by the invention, leading to greater utilization of the space
enclosed by such panels P while at the same time enjoying greater
stability through the connector members 36.
The slotted channels 32 may be employed in conjunction with any of
a variety of different forms of accessories such as tables,
shelving and the like (not shown).
Such accessories may be attached in known manner by inserting a
threaded fastening member such as a nut (not shown) in the
rectangular channel 32, and inserting any suitable threaded
fastener (not shown), such as a bolt, into the nut, the bolt being
then attached to a suitable point on a shelf or table and being
tightened up. Such connection systems are essentially well known in
the art and require no further description. Similarly, shelf
supporting brackets may also be attached to such channels 32 in the
same way to provide a completely self-supported shelf or table or
other accessory.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention, provision
may be made for enclosed wiring conduits in conjunction with the
panels P. Such a conduit is shown in more detail in FIG. 4. It will
be seen to comprise two identical base plate members 48 which may
be attached along the lower edges of the panels P. Each plate 48 is
formed with an indented channel portion 50 which is adapted to
underlie the lower edges of the panels P. The space within channels
50 is enclosed by removable cover plates 52. The channels 50 will
receive any suitable wiring shown as W. Electrical receptacles may
be located on the cover plate 52, in suitable openings therein and
connected with the wiring in any conventional manner.
For example, the plates 52 may be formed with any suitable clip
devices for snapping directly in to the channels 50. Such clip
devices will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art and
require no further description.
However, if the purchaser does not required the electrical conduit
function, then the plates 52 can be omitted altogether.
In operation, the use of the invention is essentially self
evident.
Two panels 10 will be placed in position with their end connectors
12 adjacent to one another. A hinge strip 36 is then lifted so that
one end of the strip can be placed at the upper ends of the two
adjacent end connector members. The two ribs 40 of the hinge strip
36 are then introduced into respective connector grooves on
respective end connector members. The strip 36 is then
progressively fed downwardly in a telescopic manner until it
extends substantially from top to bottom of both end connector
members. The frictional effect provided by the resilience of the
ribs 40 and the grooves 42 is sufficient to retain the hinge strip
36 in position so that it will not slide right through the
connector members, but will remain where it is placed during all
normal usage.
The two panels 10 may then be swung relative to one another to
position them in the most desirable location. Alternatively, this
may have already been done before the hinge strip 36 is
introduced.
If it is desired to swing the panels 10 into a substantially
different angular orientation, it may be necessary to withdraw the
hinge strip 36, and to introduce it in a reverse manner so that the
web 38 is on the other side.
Where it is desired to link the panels 10 to form a continuous
straight wall portion, with the panels 10 linked end to end, then
two such rib members 36 may be introduced on opposite sides of the
panel 10 in essentially the same manner.
The legs 46 may be adjusted up or down so as to bring the top edges
of the panels 10 into alignment.
If it is desired to add any shelves or other attachments, this can
be done at any time by simply introducing the appropriate threaded
nuts into the channels 32 and then fastening a suitable threaded
fastener in any known manner.
The electrical wiring such as W may be run around the channels 50
at any time, and the closure plates 52 may be snapped in place or
removed at will.
Thus the system is completely flexible and may be used and reused
in many different locations and in many different arrangements. At
all times, the continuous hinge strips 36 close the gaps between
adjacent panels 10 and therefore provide substantially complete
privacy within any space enclosed.
At the same time, a system of panels 10 interconnected by hinge
strips 36 provides much greater strength and rigidity, while at the
same time leaving a clearer working space, free of the relatively
large feet which were customary on free standing partitions.
The extrusions 36 may be made in various widths. For example
extrusion 36a (FIG. 7) may be used to cover the exterior of a
junction between two panels 10 at right angles. Similarly, where
three panels 10 are joined to form a T-shape, then a similar
extrusion 36a of slightly reduced width may cover the rectangular
recess which will be formed at such a junction. It will also
contribute to the ridigity of the junction.
Alternatively other extrusions having a different shape, for
reasons of taste or decoration could be used at these locations.
Aluminum junction or corner pieces could be extruded having
suitable grooves which could be connected with extrusions 36 as
desired, for the same purpose of filling in or covering exposed
corners.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the
vertical end connector members 12 may be of composite construction,
as shown in FIG. 8, where a combination of wood and plastic is
illustrated. The end connector 12a as shown in FIG. 8 will be seen
to comprise a wooden trim strip 60, of essentially the same width
as the overall width of the end connector 12. The wooden trim strip
60 will be applied at each end of the partition panel 10, in
essentially the same manner as is shown in FIG. 2. It will be
provided at each of its outwardly directed corners with a generally
rectangularly shaped channel or groove 62 cut into the wood, and
angled outwardly at 45.degree.. Within the grooves 62, there is
provided a continuous extruded thermoplastic corner strip 64. The
corner strip 64 will be seen to comprise a main body portion 66,
and an inwardly directed anchor strip 68. At its outwardly directed
corner, it is provided with a channel 70, similar to the channel 32
of the end connectors 12. In use, it is used in essentially the
same way as the end connector 12.
If it is desired to attach accessories such as shelves, tables, and
the like to the partition member using the end connectors 12a of
FIG. 8, it will be seen that no provision is made corresponding to
the slotted channels 32 of the end connector 12. In their place,
some other form of adjustable shelf attachment may be provided.
Typically it may take the form of any well known form of slotted
metal channel (not shown) which may be attached to the wooden strip
12, or located in a suitable groove which may be routed out from
the wooden strip 12. However, the details are essentially obvious
and well known to persons skilled in the art and require no further
description.
It will of course be appreciated that the thermoplastic strips 64
will be fastened in the grooves 62 by means of suitable adhesive.
The particular type of adhesive used will be dependent at least in
part on the nature of the thermoplastic used for the strips 64. The
choice of such adhesives is therefore a matter of design and
requires no description. The purpose of the anchor strips 68 is to
provide greater surface for such adhesives to engage thereby
increasing the strength of the bond between the thermoplastic and
the wood.
One of the advantages of using the invention in this way, is that
the thermoplastic 64 may be extruded in any suitable colour which
may match the colouring or staining of the wood strip 60. In
addition, the thermoplastic 64, having the colour incorporated in
the material itself, may be more resistant to staining, scratching
and the like than would extruded aluminum, and may therefore be
more desirable for certain circumstances or applications.
The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the
invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention
is not to be taken as limited to any of the specific features as
described, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *